Report Shows New York City Companies Playing Key Role In Development of New Medicines for Wide Range o...( If we are going to cure cancer in our l...),Health

New York Biotechnology Association Executive Director Nathan Tinker detailed the contribution of New York City's life sciences sector to the state economy, noting that biopharmaceutical research and manufacturing in the state is a $10.5 billion industry and responsible for 67,606 jobs. "New York City has the world's largest concentration of academic medical research centers, is home to 120 bioscience companies, and is #1 in the country in National Institutes of Health funding for universities and colleges. New York City is setting standards for medical breakthroughs and innovative treatments worldwide."

The research and development captured in the report is critical to helping Bronx residents live healthier lives, said Dr. Yudy Persaud, speaking on behalf of the South Bronx Asthma Partnership. The report includes 31 cutting-edge medicines for diabetes and 17 for asthma - chronic diseases for which The Bronx has the highest rates in New York City.

"Pharmaceutical and biotechnology scientists are making exciting progress in the search for new cures and treatments for cancer and other diseases. But these efforts are wasted if the medicines we develop aren't accessible to patients who need them," said PhRMA President and CEO Billy Tauzin.

Help is available to patients in need through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA), a program sponsored by America's pharmaceutical research companies. To date, the PPA has helped nearly six million patients nationwide, including more than 190,000 people in New York State. Since its launch in April 2005, the PPA bus tour has visited all 50 states and more than 2,500 cities to educate people about patient assistance programs
'/>"/>